Fluid processing system for running strand



fifiph 25, 1956 w. P. DOOLEY FLUID PROCESSING SYSTEM FOR RUNNING STRANDFiled Aug. 5, 1953 2 Sheets-Sheet l Sept. 25, 1956 w. P. DOOLEY2,764,012

FLUID PROCESSING SYSTEM FOR RUNNING STRAND Filed Aug. 5, 1953 2Sheet-Sheet 2 United States Patent FLUID PROCESSING SYSTEM FOR RUNNINGSTRAND William P. Dooley, South Charleston, Va., assignor to AmericanViscose Corporation, Philadelphia, Pa., a corporation of DelawareApplication August 5, 1953, Serial No. 372,495

10 Claims. (Cl. 68-205) The present invention relates to processing ofrunning strands and particularly to the storage of a considerablequantity of a textile strand within a relatively small space whilemaintaining all portions of the stored strand 1n continuous advancement.

The problem that most frequently arises in using the strand-storagethread-advancing systems of the prior art is the difiiculty of storingsuflicient yardage of the strand within one or a plurality of adjacenttreatment regions. Sufficient storage usually entails simply theprovision of thread-advancing reels or other storage devices for runningyarn of such size or area as required to support a desired yardage ofyarn. If the length of yarn to be stored is large, e. g., such yarnlength as needed to carry out the liquid treatment, then storage reelsor rolls of sufiicient size must be provided with due consideration forthe size and capacity of housings therefor, liquid-feeding systems, anddriving equipment for such strand storage devices. Moreover, a pluralityof treatments applied to a textile strand usually involves duplicationor extension of the equipment required for each treatment.

An important object of the invention is to provide a storing andadvancing system for a running strand capable of storing a considerablelength of the strand within less space than required for conventionalsystems. It is another object to provide a liquid-treating systemwherein a large length of a running strand may be subjected to aplurality of cycles of liquid application, and stripping of the liquidfrom the strand within such cycles within a relatively small space. Itis still another object to provide apparatus in accordance with either'one or both of the above mentioned objects wherein the strand is storedin a plurality of parallel convolutions which are advanced laterallyrelative to the length of the strand whereby the strand is continuouslyfed into and discharged from the apparatus, such apparatus being readilyadjustable to change the relative spacing of the convolutions. A furtherobject is to provide an apparatus for carrying out the foregoing objectsthat is readily laced. It is furthermore required that such apparatus besimple in construction and easily maintained. Other objects, features,and advantages will become apparent from the following description ofthe invention and the drawing relating thereto in which:

Fig. l is a front elevation of apparatus in accordance with oneembodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary elevation of the apparatus illustrated in Fig. 1with portions of the apparatus shown in section;

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary lll-lll of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a schematic elevation of a modification of the invention; and

Fig. 5 is an enlarged plan view of the lowest squeeze roll assembly asshown in Fig. l.

Briefly stated, the invention concerns a strand-advancing and storingsystem which comprises a plurality of rolls disposed to distribute thestrand in one or more section view taken along line completeconvolutions extending progressively over the inner periphery and theouter periphery of a U-shaped region. The U-shaped disposition of thestrand is obtained by a plurality of squeeze rolls supported onsubstantially parallel axes along the periphery of a main or centralroll having an axis substantially parallel to the squeeze roll axis, anda pair of spaced guide rolls disposed at the ends of the U-shapedregions and having their strand-supporting surfaces in generallylaterally spaced coextensive relation with the strand-supportingperiphery of the central roll which functions also as a guide rollwithin the thread-advancing system.

The guide rolls and the central roll or any one, or any two or more ofthese rolls may be driven whereby the entire system is driven when lacedwith the strand by the: friction thereof with the non-positively drivenrolls. One or more spray or liquid-discharging devices may be dis posedwithin the U-shaped region whereby liquid may be discharged against therolls or into the yarn transversing the inner periphery as well as theouter periphery of this region.

Fig. 1 illustrates in front elevation a system in accordance with oneembodiment of the invention which comprises a central process roll 5, apair of guide rolls 6 and '7, and three squeeze rolls 8, 9, and 10. Allof the rolls are supported in cantilever fashion from a panel 12. Inthis particular embodiment, the roll 5 is driven and when a strand i4 islaced around the rolls through a number of U-shaped convolutions asindicated by Figs. 1 and 2, the entire system is driven by frictionaltransmission of power from the roll 5 to the strand and the transmissionfrom the latter to the other rolls by friction in the manner of aconventional belt drive.

From Fig. 2 it may be seen that the roll 5 is preferably rotatablysupported by the panel 12 and a bearing 15 secured thereto having a borethrough which the shaft 16 on which the roll 5 is mounted extends. Theshaft 16 supports a means, such as a gear 17 keyed on the shaft, forconnecting the roll in driving relation with a motor or power supplyshaft. To protect the hearing from the liquid applied to the strand, abattle system surrounding the bearing is provided which comprises aconical collar 19 attached to the hub 20 of the roll 5 and an annularcollar 21 attached to the panel 1.2.

The squeeze rolls 8, 9, and it) are supported so as to be self'aligningwith respect to the periphery of the roll 5 and yet be held with theiraxes of rotation parallel with the axis of the roll 5 when urged intosubstantial contact with the periphery thereof or against convolutionsof the strand 14 extending around the roll.

It is desired during operation that the squeeze rolls be self-aligningwith their axes substantially parallel to the axis of the roll 5 so thatthe squeeze rolls bear with uniform pressure against all convolutions ofthe strand. These rolls are held in contact with the periphery by theportion of the strand passing along the outer periphery of the U-shapedregion enclosed by the strand convolu tions. The swing axes of thesqueeze rolls at 24 and 25 may be disposed as shown so that the rolls 8and it may hang in a natural position of rest practically in contactwith the roll 5 without exerting pressure thereagainst. At thisposition, the axis of each roll (8, it!) will extend approximatelywithin a separate plane for each axis containlng the axis of the roll 5.This arrangement produces equal pressure of the rolls against the strandpassing along opposite sides thereof.

The weight of the roll 9 and its supporting assembly tends to carry itdownwardly away from the roll 5 whereby greater pressure is exterted onthe strand passing along the under surface of the squeeze roll 9, thanon that passing between it and the periphery of the roll 5. Such weightis counteracted by a suitable load-applying device, such a tensionspring 28 which extends between an eye portion 29 of a bearing block 30and a bolt 32. The bolt is adjustable relative to a stationary bracket33 through an aperture thereof by a wing nut 34 to increase or decreasethe tension exerted, by the spring. The tension of the spring may bechanged to obtain equal pressure on the strand passing along theopposite sides of the roll 9 or greater pressure on one side than theother in any manner desired. Obviously the force provided by the spring28 to counteract the weight of the roll 9 and a supporting axle 37therefor may be supplied by means such as counterweights or a pneumaticcylinder.

The bearing block 30 has two bores extending in spaced relationship andat right angles with respect to each other. One bore receives astationary shaft 36 extending from the panel 12 with respect to whichthe bearing block is freely rotatable, and the other bore receives theaxle 37 which is freely rotatable with respect to the bearing block. Theaxle 37 is of generally T shape and has a portion 38 extending coaxiallythrough the roll 9 at right angles with the portion 39 of the axle whichextends through the bearing block 30. Preferably the longitudinal axisof the portion 39 approximately bisects the length of the strandsupporting surface of the roll 9. Thus, in a manner similar to rolls 8and 10, the roll 9 is held in an alignment, while adjacent the roll 5,in which the axis of the squeeze roll 9 remains approximately in a planecontaining the axis of the roll even though the axle 37 may turn aboutits axis through the bearing block 30, and the axle and the roll 9 as awhole may pivot with respect to the axle 36. Thus, the roll 9 isself-aligning with respect to the periphery of the roll 5 or the stranddisposed therearound and may assume any alignment necessary to bringuniform pres sure on the strand disposed between the rolls 5 and 9 inresponse to pressure of the strand passing around the outside of thesqueeze rolls.

The squeeze rolls 8 and have mountings similar to that of 9 with theexception that axles 43 and 44 are L-shaped, and bearing blocks 41 and42 may be similar, as shown, to the bearing block except for the eyeportion 29.

The strand 14 is formed in a number of U-shaped convolutions with therolls 6 and 7 enclosed within the ends of the legs of the U-shapedregion and the central roll in cooperation with the rolls 6 and 7defining the central space partly surrounded by such regions. Threadadvancement isobtained by canted relationship between the central rolland one or both of the guide rolls. Both guide rolls may be provided, asshown in Fig. l, with the mechanism shown in Fig. 3 for determining thecant of each roll with respect to the central roll. It is well withinthe scope of the invention to change the alignment of the driven roll 5with respect to the guide rolls 6 and 7 to obtain thread advancement.However, the preferred embodiment is that illustrated wherein the axialalignment of the guide rolls may be changed. The guide roll 6 is showncanted and roll 7 is shown with its axis parallel to the axis of theroll 5 although the roll 7 is supported by a mounting which may beadjusted to change the cant of its axis.

The adjustable mounting for roll 6 (same as that for roll 7) comprises,as shown in Fig. 3, a shaft 46 for supporting the roll extends throughthe panel 12. The shaft terminates in a yoke or saddle 48 having legs 51and 52 between which is supported a nut 53 in threaded engagement withan adjusting screw 55. The nut 53 has a pair of coaxial trunnions, eachof which extends through a leg of the yoke 48 in bearing pivotablerelation therewith. The yoke 48 has an arcuate base portion 56 whichfits the inner side of an arcuate frame 57. The frame 57 has a slot 58which extends the entire length of its arcuate portion displacing amiddle section thereof. The base of the yoke has a ridge 59 which fitspartly into the slot 58. The yoke base 56 is held tightly against theframe 57 by bolts 61 and 62 of which the nuts are turned down tightlyagainst lock washers 63 and 64. Washers 65 and 66 are interposed betweenthe lock washers and the outer surface of a frame 57 to enable the yoketo be adjusted longitudinally of the arcuate portion of the frame whilethe lock washers 63 and 64 are under some compression.

An arcuate portion of the frame 57 has a radius extending to a centerdisposed approximately midway along the length of the strand-supportingsurface of the roll 6. This arrangement allows adjustment of the roll 6to change the rate of thread advancement within the system shown with aminimum dislocation of the roll 6 with respect to the rolls 5 and 7. Thescrew 55 has rotatable bearing relationship with a collar 63 which hascoaxial trunnions extending through spaced portions 69 and 70 of theframe 57. The screw is provided with a crank wheel 71 by which themounting of the roll 6 may be adjusted longitudinally of the arcuateportion of the frame 57. The nuts of the bolts 61 and 62 may betightened down solidly for rigidity of the mounting during operation. Itwill than be necessary to loosen such nuts when a change is made in theaxial cant of the roll. A bearing plate 72 bolted or otherwise securedto the panel 12 provides additional surface for absorbing wear andmaintaining the rigidity of the roll shaft 46.

Liquid is supplied to the convolutions in the strand 14 by liquiddistributors such as the three shower devices 73, 74, and 75. Devices 74and 75 are connected to a common supply line A Whereas device 73 isconnected to a supply line B. The rate of discharge from the showerdevices may be controlled by respective valves 73a, 74a, and 75a. Thedisposition of the liquid distributors, as shown, is not critical andany disposition desired may be employed to obtain a desired pattern ofliquid treatment of the strand convolutions.

In the embodiment of the invention hereinbefore described andillustrated by Fig. l, the yarn 1.4 enters the strand storage andadvancing system by being drawn initially upon the periphery of the roll6 to form the U- shaped wrap nearest the panel 12.. The strand passesaround an approximately section at the periphery of the roll 6 andthereafter engages the periphery of the roll 5. It extends in thedirection of its advancement between the roll 5 and rolls 8, 9, andlift, and in continuous contact with the roll 5, thereafter extendingtangentially from the roll 5 onto a portion of the periphery of the roll7 adjacent the panel 12. As shown, the axis of the roll 7 is not cantedwith respect to the axis of the roll 5 and thus the exteriorly disposedreturn portion of the first wrap extends in diametrically superposedrelationship with the inner portion of the first wrap over outwardlyfacing peripheral portions of the rolls 10, 9, and 8 in the order named.As the roll 6 is canted with respect to the roll 5, the strand extendsaround the roll 6 into another Wrap further removed from the panel 12.The succeeding wraps of the strand are progressively disposed away fromthe panel 12 and extend through the roll system in the same manner justdescribed for the first Wrap until the desired number of wraps isobtained. The yarn is thereupon lead from the system in a directionindicated by an arrow from the top peripheral portion of the roll 7.Such a strand storage system greatly increases the length of runningstrand which may be stored within a selected space over that which maybe stored on, for example, a single thread-advancing reel or a pair ofcanted rolls. It also provides extensive fully-exposed sections ofstrand supported free of any surface whereby such sections are readilyaccessible for the application thereto of liquids etc.

In Fig. 4, a modified thread-storage and thread-advancing system isshown schemetaically in which five squeeze rolls 76, 77, 78, 79 and 80,are disposed and mounted as hereinabove described with respect tosqueeze rolls 8, 9, and 10, around a main or central guide roll 81. Thestrand 82 is received by a guide roll 83 and discharged from the systemby another guide roll 84. The system may be driven by driving the roll83 by means such as a chain and sprocket system shown connected with adrive shaft 85. The main roll 81 may be driven in the manner of theembodiment of Fig. 1 hereinabove described, or allowed to idle and bedriven by contact with the windings of yarn. Both offset guide rolls, asshown, are slightly canted with respect to the axis of the central roll81; thus each of the rolls 83 and 84- contribute to lateral advancementof the strand convolutions through the system.

The stripping of liquid from the strand may be pro moted alongoutwardly-facing peripheral portions of the squeeze rolls 76, '78, and84), by additional pressure rolls 88, 89, and 9t) acting on the outersides of rolls 76, 78, and 30 respectively. The pressure exerted by anyone of the pressure rolls is transmitted to the inner portions as wellas the outer portions of strand convolutions as the result of the freepivotal suspension of the squeeze rolls. Pressure rolls typified byrolls 38, 89, and 90 may be employed in particular where different typesof treatment liquids are applied and it is desired to carefully isolatethe various zones of treatment and prevent the carrying of liquid by thestrand from one zone to the other. As shown, liquid distributors 92, 93,94, and 95 apply liquid to sections of the strand passing along theinner periphery as well as the outer periphery of the U- shaped regionenclosed by the convolutions of the strand.

It is to be noted from the illustration, as depicted in Figs. 1 and 4,of the two embodiments herein described, that the guide rolls, i. e.,rolls 6 and 7 of Fig. l and rolls 83 and 84 of Fig. 4, are disposedbetween two lines of which each line extends in tangency with a pair ofthe squeeze rolls on opposite sides of a line or plane which passesthrough the axis of the central roll and between the pair of guide rollsassociated therewith. Each line of tangency is tangent to the pair ofsqueeze rolls nearest the guide roll on the side of the middle line onwhich such guide roll and such squeeze rolls are disposed. By thisarrangement, contact of the yarn or strand with the outer side of thesqueeze roll nearest the guide roll on the same side of the central lineis assured. It is in accordance with the general concept of the presentinvention and the preferable arrangement thereof that the opposite sidesof each squeeze roll contact simultaneously with substantial pressurethe yarn along the inner periphery as well as the outer periphery of theU-shaped region enclosed by the yarn convolutions. In the embodimentillustrated in Fig. 1, the pairs of squeeze rolls determining the linesof tangency share a common roll, i. e., roll 9. However, in theembodiment of Fig. 4, the pairs of squeeze rolls divided by a plane, ora line such as defined above, each pair tangent to one of two linesdisposed at opposite sides of the middle line, are rolls 76 and 77 onthe one side of such a plane or line and rolls 79 and on the other side.

The arrangements of rolls found in the embodiments herein described notonly provide greater storage of running yarn per unit of space thanconventional systems but provide greater contact of the roll surfacewith the pe ripheral area of a yarn, that is, opposite sides of thestrand are repeatedly contacted as the yarn passes through the system.For this reason, the thread-advancing system as herein described isexcellent for carrying out liquid treatments of freshly spun yarn ortows, such as washing and bleaching, regenerating and plasticizing withhot liquid, or dyeing a strand of filamentary material. Moreover sincethe strand surface is more efliciently contacted by the rolls of thesystem, rolls thus arranged may function more satisfactorily as dryingdrums than a pair of relatively-canted thread-advancing rolls of theconventional type. It will be understood, of course, that a plurality ofunits may be constructed in accordance with, for example, the embodimentillustrated in Fig. 1, and arranged in series relationship wherebydifferent treatments may be progressively applied to the same runningstrand.

While preferred embodiments of the invention have been shown anddescribed, it is to be understood that changes and variations may bemade without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention asdefined in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A thread-advancing and thread-storing system comprising a main roll,a roll in spaced relation with the main roll with the axis of one ofsaid rolls canted out of parallel relation with that of the other roll,a plurality of additional rolls disposed in series spaced relationshipwithin a region extending from the second-named roll and partly aroundthe periphery of the main roll, the length of the strand-supportingsurfaces of all of the rolls as measured lengthwise of the axis beinggenerally co-extensive, means for movably supporting the rolls of saidseries for movement into and out of contact with the periphery of themain roll, the rolls of the series be ing of such size and number as tospace that outer portion of the path of a yarn which extends over theoutwardly-facing portions of the peripheries of such rolls away from theperiphery of the main roll, and means for driving one of the rolls.

2. A thread-advancing and thread-storing system comprising a main roll,a roll in spaced relation with the main roll with the axis of one ofsaid rolls canted out of parallel relation with that of the other roll,a plurality of additional rolls disposed in series spaced relationshipwithin a region extending from the second-named roll and partly aroundthe periphery of the main roll, the lengths of the strand-supportingsurfaces of all of the rolls as measured lengthwise of their axes beinggenerally co-extensive, means for movably supporting the rolls of saidseries for movement into and out of contact with the periphery of themain roll, said supporting means comprising means for aligning each rollof said series with its axis extending approximately within a separateplane for the axis of each roll of said series containing the axis ofthe main roll when the periphery of such roll and that of the main rollare closely adjacent, the rolls of the series being of such size andnumber as to space that portion of the path of a yarn which extends overthe outwardly-facing portions of the periphcries of such rolls away fromthe periphery of the main roll, and means for driving at least one ofthe rolls.

3. A liquid-treating system for a running yarn comprising a main roll, aroll in spaced relationship with the main roll with the axis of one ofsaid rolls canted out of parallel relation with that of the other roll,a plurality of rolls disposed in series spaced relation within a regionextending from the second-named roll and partly around the periphery ofthe main roll, the lengths of the strand-supporting surfaces of therolls as measured lengthwise of their axes being generally axiallyco-extensive, means for movably supporting the rolls of said series formovement into contact with the periphery of the main roll, saidsupporting means comprising means for aligning each roll of said serieswith its axis extending approximately within a separate plane for theaxis of each roll of said series containing the axis of the main rollwhen the peripheries of such roll and the main roll are closelyadjacent, the rolls of the series being of such size and number as tospace that portion of the path of yarn extending over outwardly-facingperipheral portions of such rolls from the periphery of the main roll,all of said rolls cooperatively supporting during operation a section ofstrand extending as a series of convolutions along the entire peripheryof said region, liquid distributing means disposed within said regionbetween at least one pair of rolls of said series, and means for drivingone of the two earliest named rolls.

4. A thread-advancing and thread-storing system comprising a main roll,a roll in spaced relation with the main roll, the axis of one roll beingcanted out of parallel relation with that of the other roll, a pluralityof rolls disposed in series relationship within a generallyconcavo-convex region extending from the second-named roll and partlyaround the periphery of the main roll, the lengths of thestrand-supporting surfaces of all the rolls as measured lengthwise oftheir axes being generally co-extensive, means for movably supportingthe rolls of said series for movements into and out of contact with theperiphery of the main roll, said supporting means comprising means foraligning each roll of said series with its axis extending approximatelywithin a separate plane for the axis of each roll of said seriescontaining the axis of the main roll when the peripheries of such rolland the main roll are closely adjacent, the rolls of the series being ofsuch size and number as to space that portion of the path of yarn whichextends over the outwardly-facing peripheral portions of such rolls fromthe periphery of the main roll, and means for driving one of the twoearliest named rolls.

5. A thread-advancing and thread-storing system as defined in claim 4wherein the convex portion of the periphery of the concavo-convex regionis defined by outwardly-facing arcuate peripheral sections of thestrandsupporting surfaces of the rolls of said series andinterconnecting straight sections extending tangentially to and betweensaid arcuate peripheral sections.

6. A thread-advancing and thread-storing system which comprises a mainroll, a pair of guide rolls, a plurality of squeeze rolls disposed aboutthe main roll, the guide rolls being spaced from each other havingstrand-supporting peripheries extending in generally axiallyco-extensive and spaced relationship with the strand-supporting surfaceof the main roll, adjustable means for supporting at least one of theguide rolls, said means being adjustable to change the alignment of theaxis of the guide roll with respect to the axis of the main roll,separate freely movable means for supporting each squeeze roll with thestrand-engaging surfaces thereof in adjacent substantially co-extensiverelation with the strandsupporting surface of the main roll, each ofsaid movable means being movable to carry its respective squeeze rolltoward and away from the periphery of the main roll, each squeeze rollbeing pivotable with respect to its respective supporting meansapproximately within a separate plane for the axis of each squeeze rollcontaining the axis of the main roll and that of the squeeze roll, andmeans for driving at least one of the rolls.

7. A thread-advancing and thread-storing system as defined in claim 6wherein the outer portion of the path for the yarn extends overperipheral portions of guide rolls and the squeeze rolls facing awayfrom the main roll and the inner portion of said path extends in partbetween the periphery of the main roll. and the portions of theperipheries of the squeeze rolls facing toward the main roll, said guiderolls and the squeeze rolls being disposed to extend the yarn patharound a substantial portion of the periphery of the main roll, theguide rolls being separated by a plane containing the axis of the mainroll, the section of said outer path portion extending between a guideroll and the nearest squeeze roll making an angle with the neareststraight path section extending between said squeeze roll and the nextadjacent squeeze roll on the same side of, the plane.

8. A thread-advancing and thread-storing system which comprises threespaced guide rolls and a plurality of squeeze rolls supported adjacentone of the guide rolls with their axes substantially parallel to that ofsaid guide roll, separate freely movable means for supporting eachsqueeze roll with the strand surfaces thereof in substantiallycoextensive relation with the strand supporting surface of said guideroll, each of said movable means being movable in a direction to carryits respective squeeze roll toward and away from said guide roll, eachsqueeze roll being pivotable with respect to its respective supportingmeans approximately within a separate plane for the axis of each squeezeroll containing the axis of said guide roll and that of the squeezeroll, the other two guide rolls and the squeeze rolls being disposedwithin a generally U-shaped region surrounding said guide roll whereinthe other two guide rolls constitute extremities of the legs of theU-shaped region, all of said rolls having peripheral strand-supportingsurfaces that are generally-axially co-extensive, said U-shaped regionbeing defined by a continuous path for the strand comprising an innerportion extending in part along the inner periphery of the regionbetween the first-named guide roll and the squeeze rolls and an outerportion extending along the outer periphery of the region overoutwardly-facing peripheral portions of the squeeze rolls and around aportion of the periphery of each of said two guide rolls, the squeezerolls being of such size and number as to space the outer portion of thepath from the periphery of the first-named guide roll, at least one ofthe guide rolls having its axis canted out of parallel relation to theaxis of another guide roll to produce axial advancement of the strandwith respect to the rolls of the system, and means for driving one ofthe rolls.

9. A thread-advancing and thread-storing system as defined in claim 8wherein the outer portion of said strand path includes outwardly-facingarcuate peripheral surfaces of the squeeze rolls connecting interveningstrand portions whereby strand passing along said path exerts pressureon the squeeze rolls in a direction extending inwardly of the peripheryof the first-named guide roll.

10. A liquid-treating system comprising the threadadvancing andthread-storing system defined in claim 8, and liquid showering meansdisposed within the U-shaped region between the outer and inner portionsof said path.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS660,029 Remy Oct. 16, 1900 1,224,046 Turley Apr. 24, 1917 2,194,470Hartmann Mar. 26, 1940 2,272,182 Burkholder et al. Feb. 10, 19422,582,293 Stanley et al. Jan. 15, 1952 2,621,390 Nield Dec. 16, 1.9522,625,811 Kuljian Jan. 20, 1953 2,647,037 Luther July 28, 1953 FOREIGNPATENTS 287,419 Great Britain Mar. 22, 1928

